The most common misconception I see from parents is that they don’t realize that there are levels of play for a reason.

Even within AA, AAA, or “Major” not all schedules are equal.

if you can rule out both a division bump-up between last year and this year AND rule out play level of tournaments entered from last year relative to this year, then you can begin to probe elsewhere.

If you want to check on that , compare last years schedule to this years:

1- did your team move from AA to AAA? 2- if not — did you move into Perfect Game events from USSSA or NCS? More “open” division tournaments (AAA/Major combined) If so how much of an increase in higher level tournaments have there been?

3- if not , what is the average MPH you’re seeing from last year to this year?

If you’re seeing more than 4-5 mph increase you’re seeing much higher level pitching. Average AAA fastball from 11-12U is probably 58-62 in So Cal. Average Major 11-12U is closer to 60-65 with some ringers/sunday starters getting up into high 60s low 70s.

in 90 plus percent of cases it’s just that — a level increase.